NICEIC’s guide to developments reshaping the industry

2026 will see the culmination of a number of technical, regulatory and legislative changes in the electrotechnical sector, as well as the continuation and acceleration of many of the trends witnessed in recent years, particularly around renewable adoption. There are several key moments certified businesses should mark in their calendars, along with developments that should be watched closely for their potential to impact many businesses operating in the sector.

Specifically, there will be an update to BS 7671 (Amendment 4), the Government’s Warm Homes Plan is moving from policy announcement to implementation, and electrical safety requirements in the rental sector are set to tighten, all against the backdrop of the renewable rollout and rising electricity demand for the second year running.<.p>

Amendment 4

On 15 April 2026, the IET and BSI will publish Amendment 4 to BS 7671:2018, with the outgoing edition due to be withdrawn on 15 October 2026. Amendment 4 introduces substantive updates, notably a new chapter on stationary secondary batteries, functional earthing/equipotential bonding for ICT systems, and a new section on power over ethernet (PoE), alongside a major revision to medical locations. Businesses can implement Amendment 4 immediately upon publication and, after the six month transition, it will become the definitive standard for new work, modifications, and periodic inspection and testing.

Amendment 4 will not only help to brings the UK’s electrical regulations up to date with advancing technology but also enhance safety and professionalism across the sector.

Warm Homes Plan

The Government’s Warm Homes Plan, published in January 2026, commits £15 billion to upgrade up to five million homes with measures including solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and insulation. Funding was also announced for zero/low interest loans for all households looking to install solar PV, and £5 billion to fully fund upgrades for low income households. The plan also promises stronger standards for rented homes and establishes a new Warm Homes Agency to streamline delivery. Crucially, the government outlined plans to invest in the skills needed to expand and upskill the installer base. interest loans for all households looking to install solar PV, and income households. The plan also promises stronger standards for rented homes and establishes a new Warm Homes Agency to streamline delivery. Crucially, the government outlined plans to invest in the skills needed to expand and upskill the installer base.

The plan looks set to boost demand for renewable and low carbon installations, creating significant opportunities for skilled and qualified installers. As the focus shifts from policy to delivery, building a sufficiently skilled, qualified and competent workforce will be essential to meeting that new demand.

For those with the right skills and qualifications to deliver PV, storage and EV charge points, 2026 could mark a turning point where customer demand starts to grow even more rapidly.

The bigger picture

After two decades of decline, Britain’s electricity consumption rose in 2024 and 2025, marking the first back to back annual increases since 2003. Provisional figures show a ~3% rise last year, driven by EV uptake, heat pumps and AI data centres. Researchers from Imperial College London say this indicates we have now passed a major milestone in the new era of electrification.

With Warm Homes Plan funding and clear evidence of strong (and growing) consumer demand for electric vehicles and heat pumps, real world electrification will be a dominant theme of 2026. In 2025, EV sales jumped 28%, with roughly one in three new cars sold now fully electric. Installations of heat pumps rose by around 20%, while power demand from AI enabled data centres has doubled since 2020, now consuming 3–4% of all UK electricity. As these technology driven changes have a greater impact on daily life, the role electricians play in the economy and society is becoming ever more important.

As that happens, the skills challenges facing the sector will intensify. Demand for those with the skills, experience and qualifications to complete low carbon installations will continue to grow, and there is a need for a sector wide focus on further upskilling the existing workforce to meet future capacity. Central to that will be skilled electricians with the right qualifications, experience and mindset. Those who can already demonstrate their commitment through certification, a strong track record of continued professional development and an understanding of evolving regulations will be at a distinct advantage.

Competence and safety

From 27 October 2025, Phase 1 of Awaab’s Law set legally binding timeframes for social landlords to investigate and remedy serious hazards (with strict timelines for damp, mould and emergencies). The Government plans to expand its scope in 2026 to additional hazards, including electrical. This is set to be enforceable through tenancy law and underpins stronger safety and quality expectations across social homes.

For those working in the sector, there will also be clearer competence requirements as a result of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) changes, with businesses required to meet the new criteria from 1 October 2026.

For businesses carrying out EICRs, all employed persons and QSs must evidence at least two years’ experience, accepted Level 3 qualifications and ongoing CPD. New low carbon work categories (EV charging, solar PV, electrical energy storage systems, micro wind) will also have mandatory technical competency requirements for all employed persons and QSs undertaking, or responsible for, this work.

For full details on the changes, as well as the support available from NICEIC, visit: niceic.com/EAS-changes

Priorities for 2026

2026 won’t be defined by a single policy or event, but the compounding effect of these changes will significantly impact the work electrical businesses do. From Amendment 4 becoming the definitive British Standard, to stronger protections for the rented sector, and the EAS changes designed to enhance the safety of electrotechnical work, the focus in 2026 is on building a sufficiently skilled and competent workforce so the sector can deliver safely, at scale and with confidence.